The Missouri Times — June 3, 2019

The Missouri Times

STORMS HIT ACROSS STATE

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JUNE 3, 2019

PRO-LIFE BILL SIGNED INTO LAW MDC TO HIKE FEES www.missouritimes.com

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The Missouri Times

OPINION 225 Madison, Jefferson City, MO | (573) 746-2912 tips@themissouritimes.com

@MissouriTimes

Scott Faughn, Publisher | scott@themissouritimes.com | @ScottFaughn Alisha Shurr, Reporter | alisha@themissouritimes.com | @AlishaShurr Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Reporter | kaitlyn@themissouritimes.com | @K_Schallhorn

Midwest workers, farmers, and ranchers need USMCA

By Chris Chinn, Steve Wellman, and Mike Naig Disastrous flooding. Lower commodity prices. Limited access to global markets.

America’s farmers and ranchers have faced difficult times the last few years, and they are in need of a dose of good news that is within immediate reach.

Luckily for American agriculture, President Trump negotiated a new trade agreement with Canada and Mexico called the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, commonly referred to as the USMCA, which will help agriculture immensely. This new agreement provides much-needed updates to NAFTA, a 25-year old trade agreement with Canada and Mexico.

The USMCA will help provide the relief thousands of Midwest farmers and ranchers in our states are seeking. Across the country and all industry sectors, the USMCA will create roughly 176,000 jobs and inject more than $68 billion into the economy by increasing exports to Canada and Mexico. U.S. food and agricultural exports alone are estimated to increase by $2.2 billion under the USMCA, with $435 million expected to come from increased market access to Canada and Mexico.

While NAFTA served to significantly lower barriers to the Canadian and Mexican markets, the agreement had not been reviewed in almost a quarter century and was not keeping up with the times. In the last 25 years, the tools and equipment we use to harvest have modernized, and the industry faces a number of new global competitors, most notably China.

The USMCA will make American agriculture even more competitive in a global marketplace Between 1993 and 2016, NAFTA helped quadruple U.S. agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico from $8.9 billion to $38 billion.

The USMCA allows us to keep these gains for agriculture, while modernizing our trading relationship. In fact, every $1 billion of U.S. agricultural exports supports approximately 7,550 American jobs, meaning roughly 286,900 agricultural jobs already rely on trade with Canada

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and Mexico. Those numbers have significant meaning in Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska. Our states support a total of 174,000 jobs through $20 billion in agriculture exports alone.

How can we help put our farmers and ranchers in a position to succeed? Through smart trade policies that put the interests of our workers, family farms, and ranchers first.

The USMCA expands access to the Canadian and Mexican markets for American dairy, poultry, and eggs after years of unfair treatment — an expected export boost of more than $314 million for American agriculture.

This 21st century trade agreement establishes rules of the road for agricultural biotechnology to encourage innovation for our industry. The U.S., Mexico and Canada have agreed to continue working together on improvements to transparency as we work through issues that affect trade between our nations.

In the heartland, we are proud to raise food, fuel and fiber for the world. An estimated 47% of Iowa’s total exports totaling $6.6 billion worth of products are sent to our USMCA partners. In Missouri, 56% of total exports are sent to Canada and Mexico accounting for $7.8 billion worth of trade, and 42% of Nebraska’s total exports ($3.1 billion worth of products) are sent to the two countries. There is no doubt that upgrading this critical trade agreement brings with it great economic opportunities for our three states.

Americans are leading the way by constantly striving to be sound environmental stewards, raise high quality food and lower the cost of production. Midwest farmers and ranchers not only feed their families — they feed the world. The USMCA will give them the fair, level playing field they need to keep their tractors running and food on our tables.

It’s time for Congress to deliver for our farmers and ranchers, and ratify the USMCA. — Chris Chinn is the Missouri Director of Agriculture, Steve Wellman is the Nebraska Director of Agriculture, and Mike Naig is the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture.

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The Missouri Times

HOT LIST Bill signing

Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz and House Speaker Elijah Haahr returned to the Capitol this week to sign the bills that made it through the regular session. Those measures will now head to Gov. Mike Parson for final approval.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK National Guard- @USNationalGuard - May 29

@Missouri_NG adjutant general surveys flooding above Brunswick as Soldiers build a sandbag barrier to protect the local community from extreme flooding

Tweets of the Week Highlights in 280 characters or less.

Kevin Windham @KWindham85 Big thanks to Speaker @elijahhaahr’ for allowing me to adjourn our technical session today on my birthday. I’ve watched this at least 30 times now Phil Christofanelli @phlchristo Upon conclusion of the rain, winds were high on the lake. No fisherman dared brave the wake, but for 3 intrepid souls, including @brucedegroot @DerekGrier and myself. Amidst the torrent, we brought home 4 massive walleye and dined well. Few expected our return. #FishingWithRusty Hannah Kelly @HannahKellyMO My Nieces came to work today. 4 generations of Kellys have walked these halls and 3 generations have served the People. To build a bright future you have to understand your history. Grateful for the work that is put into preserving our State’s history for those who come after us.

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Emergency response

Following destructive storms and catastrophic flooding throughout Missouri, the response from emergency responders and volunteers has been swift and effective. More than 100 Missouri National Guardsmen have also been dispatched around the state to reinforce levees, help with sandbagging efforts, and aid local fire departments as the flooding continues.

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Building a renewable energy future we can all rely on.

KCP&L is committed to delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable energy – today and for generations to come. That commitment helped us generate 22% of our electricity from wind power in 2018. It’s also why we expect to have awarded more than $100 million in solar rebates to our Missouri customers by 2023. Learn more about how we’re embracing renewable energy resources and energy efficient solutions to help power a brighter future.

Please visit us at kcpl.com/environment

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The Missouri Times

CAMPAIGNS

Rep. Steve Roberts launches bid for St. Louis-area Senate seat

Mark Osmack running for 15th Senate district

By Kaitlyn Schallhorn After two tours in Afghanistan and a stint in graduate school in the nation’s capital, Mark Osmack is back home. And despite his frustrations with his current representation in the state legislature, Osmack isn’t leaving.

In fact, he’s staying — to run for Senate in the 15th district.

“The current leadership in Jefferson City clearly isn’t getting it done.

Their policies of cutting healthcare, cutting education, cutting workers’ rights aren’t making anything better,” Osmack told The Missouri Times in a wide-ranging interview. “My goal is to bring Missouri back and push us forward so we can be a place where people want to live.”

Osmack recently moved back to St. Louis County where he was born and raised. The 37-year-old attended Lindbergh High School before studying English at the University of Missouri and public policy at George Washington University. A recently-promoted major in the U.S. Army Reserves, Osmack also served two tours in Afghanistan in 2010 and 2013.

Osmack fundamentally disagrees with the current senator from the 15th district — Andrew Koenig, a member of the Conservative Caucus, on a variety of issues, including the recently-passed bill banning abortions in most cases. Koenig was heralded a hero among conservatives supportive of the bill for handling negotiations during the last week of the legislative session.

Supported by most Republicans

in the General Assembly, HB 126 prohibits abortions after eight weeks and doesn’t allow for exemptions in cases of rape or incest. Osmack argued the bill is so restrictive because Republicans want to use Missouri to challenge Roe v. Wade, the decades-old U.S. Supreme Court decision that declared a woman’s constitutional right to privacy includes medical decisions such as abortion.

“I would have fought tooth and nail against that,” Osmark said, contending lawmakers — particularly those who are “pro-life” — should work to lower the cost of adoptions and increase prenatal care for women and access to pre-K education and daycare. “If we really want to help people, that’s how we do it — not by saying if you’re the victim of rape or incest, sorry not sorry.”

He pointed to education, gun violence, healthcare, and workers’ rights as priorities for him if he’s elected.

When it comes to gun violence, specifically, Osmack said his experience in the military and as a victim of a carjacking in St. Louis have formed his opinion that more guns isn’t necessarily the answer to gun violence. “[Koenig has] had 10 years to address the cost of higher education, to help protect public schools, to reduce gun violence, to protect women, and he has done nothing,” Osmack said.

“I don’t think it’s reflective of the district.”

“I must have missed the memo when colleges turned into banks,” he continued, arguing many universities do have the ability to lower the cost of tuition and offer better wages and healthcare options to adjunct

professors. “For public schools, they need to be reminded they serve the people of the state — whatever state that is.”

Osmack isn’t a stranger to political campaigns. He unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Congress in 2018, and he’s worked with Democratic Sens. Tammy Duckworth and Claire McCaskill (the former Missouri senator).

“I never took a knee; I never stepped down from being involved, and that has really kept the momentum for this,” he said of his state Senate race, adding his messaging and policy ideas have also already helped form his new campaign.

Regardless of how the 2020 election turns out, Osmack says he’s already a winner. He recently became engaged to Caitlin O’Brien — and it’s clear she’s by his side in politics.

He proposed after tricking her into believing they were canvassing for a local candidate, and their save the date cards for their wedding looks like Missouri’s voting ballots.

“She is beyond wonderful and extremely strong and intelligent. I wouldn’t be able to do it without her.

My family has been extremely supportive, but especially her,” Osmack said.

As for his potential constituents, Osmack promised to be “fearless and bold” in advocating for policies he believes will better the district and state. And he promised he’s here to stay.

“This is my home, and I’m not leaving. I was born here, and I’ll die here,” he said. “It is my love to commit my life to making [Missouri] better, and this is the way I know how.”

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By Kaitlyn Schallhorn Rep. Steve Roberts has set his sights set on two things: campaigning for state Senate and focusing on criminal justice reform.

Roberts, an attorney who has served in the state House since 2017, is officially launching his Senate campaign this week in the 5th district to replace term-limited Sen. Jamilah Nasheed.

“It would be my continued honor and privilege to represent the residents of St. Louis,” Roberts, who represents HD 77, told The Missouri Times in an interview. “I really enjoy being an advocate for them and hope to continue to pass legislation that will make Missouri a better and safer place for everyone.”

One of Roberts’ main focuses — in the state legislature and from his work as an attorney — is criminal justice reform. He said reforming the system was a catalyst behind his decision to run for state representative a few years ago and believes he could “be more effective” with those issues in the Senate.

“Unfortunately, we’ve had things that go further and would be better in terms of criminal justice reform that have made it out of the House, but we’re stuck with versions that are dialed back [in the Senate]. I’m hoping in the Senate I can take some of these reform measures further and get them across the finish line,” Roberts, chairman of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus, said.

Specifically, Roberts pointed to reforms that would make it easier for convicted felons to find employment as well as changing the bail process for certain people accused of nonviolent crimes who haven’t yet been convicted. Individuals could be imprisoned while awaiting a trial with an unaffordable bail — thus jeopardizing em-

ployment or families — and take a plea deal just to be able to get back to their lives, even with a mark on his or her record. “ T h i s could be someone who is completely innocent, and that’s not how our system is supposed to work,” Roberts said.

From his time in the House, Roberts is most proud of his efforts to forge relationships with those across the aisle and his ability to use his law background to make bills better for all Missourians. As a Democrat, Roberts noted he’s part of the “super minority” in the state legislature and stressed the importance of having “good relationships and working across party lines to get what we need accomplished.”

“My law degree is my greatest asset in my toolbox,” Roberts said, pointing to his ability to help someone better tailor legislation to fit the end goal or fix a bill that could have unintended consequences.

Roberts’ first fundraising event will be held Thursday evening at the offices of Restoration St. Louis. Suggested donation levels range from $50 to $2,600.

As for his potential predecessor, Roberts had nothing but praise for Nasheed, a fellow Democrat, especially when it comes to her efforts to push through changes to the expungement process in Missouri.

“I have some large footsteps I hope to follow,” Roberts said. “She’s done an exceptional job representing the district, and we both share a passion as far as criminal justice goes. I hope to carry the torch on some issues she’s worked on.”

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The Missouri Times

FLOODING

Missourians warily eye 1993 as they prepare for more historic flooding

By Kaitlyn Schallhorn As more storms and rainfall sweep across northern Missouri — threatening already flooded areas — meteorologists and lawmakers are begrudgingly muttering a year many would soon rather forget: 1993.

Communities particularly situated along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers have already been inundated with heavy rains and floods, greatly impacting farming and other businesses. With more rain coming this week — especially to northern Missouri — Missourians have been rushing to prepare for potentially historic floods.

More damaging storms and rain swept through northern Missouri and southern Iowa — which feeds into the Missouri River — Tuesday.

Rain is expected to continue this week, moving south through central and southeastern Missouri, according to Kevin Deitsch, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

“These rains are just prolonging these high river stages,” Deitsch told The Missouri Times. “The Mississippi River looks like where a lot of the worst flooding will be.”

The way forecasts look now, Deitsch said, the flooding could reach the 2nd highest peaks along the Mis-

sissippi River of all time — just behind the Great Flood of 1993.

The catastrophic flooding during the summer of 1993 lasted for a few months, spanning across multiple states — including Missouri — and 17 million acres, most of which was farmland.

“We’re taking a hard course to 1993,” Rep. Greg Sharpe, who represents the 4th district in northeastern Missouri along the Mississippi River, said Wednesday morning. “We hoped it wouldn’t get back to that level again, but it looks like it’s going to.”

Sharpe’s district, which borders Illinois and Iowa, is heavily agricultural. Some of the smaller rivers in the area are reaching levels the community hasn’t seen in 20 years.

“It’s a pretty bad situation,” he said.

Just south of Sharpe’s district, Hannibal, Missouri, residents spent the majority of Tuesday rushing to put out more sandbags, check on levees, and say prayers as the rain continues across Missouri.

“One thing we don’t like to say around here is ‘93’ because it was the worst, but it’s shaping up like a ‘93’ here,” Rep. Louis Riggs of the 5th district told The Missouri Times. “Everybody hates to see it but the weather patterns with the rain up north…”

“I think some of the levees in that immediate area were built up after that happened and strengthened, so could it be that catastrophic? I’m not certain. But it’s not outside my imagination either, unfortunately,” state Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin, who represents much of northeastern Missouri, told The Missouri Times of the 1993 comparisons.

She stressed how “terrible” and “disheartening” the flooding has been for those communities, specifically pointing to Brunswick and Clarksville as already seeing dire conditions.

A little more to the west is Rep. Peggy McGaugh’s 39th district — which the Missouri River borders as other rivers and creeks flow through.

While not downplaying the significance of the calamitous flooding in her district already, she noted many people have since moved their homes to higher grounds since 1993, potentially saving lives. But livelihoods, however, could still be destroyed as water levels continue to rise.

Riggs said a few dozen volunteers, including some as young as 7 years old, have come out to help with the sandbags in his district. And other state lawmakers have called to check in ahead of upcoming storms and have mobilized volunteers to help.

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State Rep. Dottie Bailey joined others in traveling to Hannibal, where the Missouri National Guard has been dispatched, to help prepare. The Hannibal Hoots minor league baseball team was set to begin its season this week, but already much of the team’s field — which was built several feet high to avoid flooding — is under water. It’s unclear when the team will be able to start its season, if at all, Riggs said.

“It’s one of those things — it’s what we do, it’s where we live, and we’ve come to accept it as living next to the river,” he said.

O’Laughlin noted Hannibal has a good system in place, but other, smaller communities do not.

“It’s been hard on the [agriculture] community big time,” O’Laughlin said. “Last year we had a drought, and so there was no hay. By the time it started raining again, it was too late, so farmers had to use all the hay they had stockpiled. Then winter stretched on and on … it’s just been terrible. And now, pretty much nobody has their corn in, and it’s rapidly approaching a too late date to plant corn, and now we’ll have to wait for it to dry out to plant beans.”

“It’s just disastrous, really,” she said. “Something like this can devastate a town. It’s a hard time to rebuild,

and it’s almost impossible.”

Aside from farming and infrastructure, meteorologists and those along the flood paths have expressed concerns with how the levees will hold up along the Mississippi River.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in St. Louis said: “All levees are operating as expected and designed. Some agricultural levees have overtopped, but all are operating as expected and as designed for this level of water.”

But there is some good news, Deitsch said. A drier weather pattern is on the horizon for Missouri’s forecast in the next few weeks — even with a few possible isolated showers and storms.

Early last week, Gov. Mike Parson activated the Missouri National Guard to help assist with the flooding and aftermath of major storms and tornadoes that pounded the state.

“Missouri has been battling historic flooding since March, which is depleting local resources, and now flooding conditions in many parts of the state are only getting worse,” Parson said in a statement. “In addition, communities from Carl Junction to Jefferson City are facing the challenge of recovering from tornadoes and severe storms, further challenging civilian resources.”

The Missouri Times

In Jefferson City tornado aftermath, humanity shines bright

By Kaitlyn Schallhorn It was Thursday afternoon, but many downtown Jefferson City residents weren’t at the office. Instead, they were literally picking up the pieces: sweeping away debris and glass, collecting fallen tree branches, roping off areas with downed power lines.

Shortly before midnight, a powerful tornado tore through the capital city, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Three people were killed in another devastating storm in the southwestern part of the state Wednesday, but — miraculously — no deaths have been reported so far in Jefferson City.

On Thursday, during the middle of the workday, the sun beat down. The intense humidity compelled shirts to cling to backs.

But neighbors emerged from crumbling homes to help one another; strangers drove downtown to lend a hand; businesses provided free meals and a place to charge cell phones.

In Jefferson City, humanity shone through in the aftermath of the midnight storm.

In the shadow of a marred Simonsen 9th Grade Center and the Jefferson City Police Department, Champs Chicken parked a massive black, red, and yellow truck. The PFSbrands-owned food services company passed out boxes of fried chicken and water bottles to the community — at no cost.

“We actually had an event we were going to do … but because of the storms last night, that was cancelled,” Brittany Allen, who has been with the company for three years, told The Missouri Times after she helped load a woman’s bag with white boxes of chicken. “We had all the products prepared so we thought we would donate it to help the community today.”

Allen, 30, said the company was having a difficult time keeping up with the demand for food — but remained optimistic. “We have a lot more to cook,” she said.

Just down the street, 21-year-old Bakari Moody raked fallen tree limbs out of the yard of his mother’s apartment before tackling the more storm-ravaged homes across the street. He pointed to one house in particular — speckled with holes in its side and mangled trees and power lines crisscrossed

in the yard.

Moody said an older gentleman lives in the house, and after the cyclone wreaked its havoc, Moody and his family helped the man get safely back to his bedroom with the promise he would check on him again Thursday morning.

First Baptist Church in Jefferson City — located just a few blocks away from a home left with a gaping hole in its side — also took in strangers, offering coffee, water, clean restrooms, electricity, and hugs. Hannah Coe, pastor of families and faith formation, said one neighbor was able to use the church to clean up and get ready for work.

Locally-owned Paulie B’s set up its food truck daily in different parts of destroyed neighborhoods, passing out over 3,100 plates of food to neighbors and workers.

The Paulie B’s restaurant on Eastland has had doors open to first responders since Thursday.

On Facebook, Yanis Coffee Zone offered a free small coffee and a place to charge phones to those impacted by the tornado.

Additionally, the business said it “decided to extend our love to this community that gave us so much” and will provide free egg wraps and coffee to all first responders.

By Thursday evening, Cole County Republicans turned a planned picnic into a way to feed first responders and citizens who spent the day cleaning their yards.

The Party — along with state lawmakers and members of the governor’s staff — put together boxes of hamburgers or hotdogs, chips, cookies, and water, Rep. Sara Walsh, who represents parts of Cole County, said.

“It’s a small way to help, but it’s something we are able to help with,” Walsh told The Missouri Times, adding she’s seen an “overwhelming outpouring” of her constituents who hope to help.

Additionally, the United Way of Central Missouri has been inundated with calls from people in and around Jefferson City seeking ways to help rebuild.

“We have certainly been blessed with a wonderful community with everyone stepping forward to help,” Amber Brondel, the marketing and communications manager for the United Way of Central Missouri told The Missouri Times. “The phones have

been ringing all day long. We truly have such an amazing, supportive community.”

“We know it’s going to take all of us working together, and we have no doubt that this community has the support, and we will rebuild together,” she added.

Along with the American Red Cross Central & Northern Missouri Chapter, the nonprofit charitable organization is encouraging those seeking help — who aren’t in immediate danger — to dial 211. Through that program, an individual will be able to speak to a specialist who can help provide referrals and support for things such as physical or mental health needs.

Those wanting to help can donate to the American Red Cross or bring a financial or water donation to the United Way of Central Missouri at 205 Alameda Drive.

Additionally, members of the community can register online to be a volunteer to be deployed to assist the community when it’s safe.

The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency has also encouraged individuals who wish to volunteer to register at the old Sears store at the Capital Mall.

And for those who might need legal advice after the storm, the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys is ready to help — for free. The attorneys can help with insurance claims, government relief programs, issues with landlords, replacement of legal documents destoryed in the storm, and more.

“The damage these tornadoes and severe storms caused is simply devastating, but I have been encouraged and inspired by the resilience and spirit of the storm survivors I’ve been fortunate to meet with today,” Gov. Mike Parson said in a statement. “In a time of tragedy, Missourians once again came together and supported and cared for their neighbors, and our first responders acted with speed and skill to rescue survivors.”

The National Weather Service has ranked the tornado — with a wide girth — an EF-3, meaning it had winds between 136 to 165 mph.

Jefferson City has a population of about 40,000 people. The legislative session ended last week, meaning most lawmakers are back home in their districts across the state.

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TORNADO

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The Missouri Times

ABORTION

Missouri could become only state without abortion provider over license renewal fight

By Kaitlyn Schallhorn As Missouri’s new, restrictive abortion law is set to go into effect later this summer, the state’s only abortion clinic says it’s going to be forced to cease those services this week due to a fight over its license renewal.

Reproductive Health Services of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis region filed a lawsuit last week in St. Louis Circuit Court for a temporary restraining order to allow the clinic to continue providing abortion services past the end of the month. Planned Parenthood representatives said it has been in a back-andforth with the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) over state health officials’ demand to interview doctors at the facility.

Missouri only has one abortion clinic — the Planned Parenthood facility in St. Louis — and would become the lone state without an abortion provider if the court doesn’t intervene before its license is set to expire on Friday.

The licensing fight hinges on the request from the state for the facility to make all doc-

“Let me be clear: this is harassment, an attempted intimidation of doctors at the highest level of government in order to stop us from providing the legal, necessary, and exceptional care we have always provided our patients.” — Dr. Colleen McNicholas tors at the clinic — even those who aren’t affiliated with Planned Parenthood — subject to interviews for an investigation, Planned Parenthood officials said.

Officials contended it would make only the Planned Parenthood doctors available to interviews in an effort to compromise. Dr. Leana Wen, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, called the request for interviews “inappropriate and suspicious interrogation.”

“As a former health commissioner and public health official, I have no other words to describe what is happening then the weaponization of the licensing process,” Wen told reporters Tuesday morning. “It has nothing to

do with medicine and everything to do with politics.”

Wen said the timing of the licensing renewal fight isn’t lost on her. Last week, Gov. Mike Parson signed a sweeping abortion bill into law, banning abortion after eight weeks. It only included exemptions for medical emergencies.

Dr. Colleen McNicholas, an OBGYN at the St. Louis clinic, said state health officials have requested she — along with her colleagues and medical “trainees” — “to submit to interrogation with no explanation and making clear that we could be opened up to criminal proceedings or board review.”

“Let me be clear: this is harassment, an attempted intimidation of doctors at the highest

level of government in order to stop us from providing the legal, necessary, and exceptional care we have always provided our patients,” McNicholas said.

Additionally, she decried the mandate for pelvic exams as “medically unnecessary” and potentially traumatizing for her patients.

Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, who represents the district which houses the abortion clinic, questioned the state’s demands in a letter submitted to DHSS Director Randall Williams Tuesday.

“Through these actions, I believe DHSS is threatening the health of women all across the state, and I further believe these actions could have disastrous impacts on the health of all women in Missouri,” Nasheed, a Democrat, said. “I believe the requirement that doctors submit to questioning by the Department is intimidating and may constitute harassment, meant to have a chilling effect on those who provide abortion services in our state. I believe such hostile actions against the Planned Parenthood facility must end, and the clinic should receive a license for another year.”

Parson: Planned Parenthood must comply with health officials, shouldn’t get ‘special treatment’

By Kaitlyn Schallhorn Gov. Mike Parson staunchly defended state health officials’ stalling on renewing the license for Missouri’s lone abortion provider, contending the conflict was over a “standard of care” issue, not his strong pro-life views.

Reproductive Health Services of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis region filed a lawsuit Tuesday in the 22nd Circuit Court, requesting a temporary restraining order to allow the clinic to continue providing abortion services past Friday when its license is set to expire.

But Parson, a Republican who gave his stamp of approval on one of the nation’s strictest anti-abortion laws last week, pushed back on Planned Parenthood’s narrative Wednesday afternoon, telling reporters the clinic has failed to comply

with state laws and has had multiple “deficiencies” in the practice.

Without a license renewal, the clinic will no longer be able to provide abortion services after Friday.

However, certain hospitals across the state are able to provide abortions when medically necessary.

a standard of care that ensures the safety of women, you shouldn’t be allowed to operate.”

“If Planned Parenthood can show they’re abiding by laws and regulations here in Missouri, they should have every right under the law to have their license renewed and continue

“No judge should give special treatment to Planned Parenthood in this instance.

If you break the law, there are serious consequences.” — Gov. Mike Parson “It would be reckless for any judge to grant a temporary restraining order ruling before the state has taken action on a license renewal,” Parson said from the state Capitol. “No judge should give special treatment to Planned Parenthood in this instance.

If you break the law, there are serious consequences. If you don’t provide

to provide patient services. But they should not receive any exceptions simply because they’re one clinic,” he said.

As Parson addressed reporters — one day after Planned Parenthood officials held their own media conference — he painted the facility as being “reluctant to cooperate with health

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department officials” and failing to fix “deficiencies” the state found.

Aside from remaining at loggerheads over interviews for the DHSS probe, Parson said the St. Louis clinic has at times failed to adhere to a law requiring the same doctor who signs a patient’s informed consent form also perform the abortion as well as a failure to comply with the required pelvic exam 72 hours before an abortion.

Parson contended “a number of serious health concerns” still exist at the facility, although he declined to go into specific details about the nature of those concerns or patient complaints, citing the ongoing investigation.

However, he did allege some women have needed to return to the clinic after an abortion procedure failed and one woman needed to be rushed to the hospital for emergency

surgery.

“If Planned Parenthood is following all Missouri laws governing abortion and operating a safe environment for women’s care, they shouldn’t have any issues cooperating with the standard and ordinary review required by state law,” he said.

Planned Parenthood has said it allowed its two physicians to sit for interviews on Friday. However, the other five are not official Planned Parenthood employees, the organization said.

Parson maintained the state is “entitled” to talk to those other doctors as well.

“The unprecedented refusal by Planned Parenthood to fully cooperate as they have in the past heightens our regulators’ concerns about what their investigation has revealed to date,” Dr. Randall Williams, director of DHSS, said in a statement.

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The Missouri Times

ABORTION

ACLU seeks to give voters final say in anti-abortion measure

By Alisha Shurr Missouri voters may end up having the final say on a sweeping anti-abortion bill recently signed into law — provided the advocacy group is successful in getting it to the ballot.

On Tuesday, the first business day after Gov. Mike Parson signed HB 126 into law, the ACLU of Missouri submitted a referendum petition to the Missouri secretary of state, seeking certification for circulation. Once approved, 5 percent of legal voters in six of eight congressional districts — at least 100,126 Missourians — need to sign the petition before the bill can make it to the ballot.

If the necessary signatures are collected and submitted, the law will not go into effect until a statewide vote has been made — giving voters the final say in the measure.

“Failing to protect the right to an abortion violates the individual freedom of Missourians. HB 126 runs counter to our shared belief in autonomy and it has devastating health consequences for Missourians who become pregnant,” said Sara Baker, legislative and policy director with the ACLU of Missouri, who filed the referendum petition.

The controversial bill bans abortions at eight weeks, and it includes many “nestled” components to include restrictions at 14, 18, and 20 weeks should a court overturn a portion of the law. The only exception to the law is for medical emergencies. No concessions were made for rape or incest.

The bill also includes a so-called

trigger provision, which would outright ban all abortions if Roe v. Wade — the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling that declared a woman’s constitutional right to privacy includes medical decisions such as abortion — is overturned.

The measure received widespread support from Republican lawmakers, with only one GOP representative voting against the bill.

Rep. Nick Schroer, the sponsor of HB 126, noted the legislation was “carefully crafted” to comply with abortion jurisprudence while “attempting to save as many unborn Missourians as possible.”

“It is a shame that the ACLU, the same group that petitioned the US Supreme Court to stop rapists getting the death penalty, is standing firm on allowing executions of our unborn. It is time these partisan groups stop their political games and look at ways we can better the lives of Missourians,” Schroer told The Missouri Times. “It is time the very rights we preserve for those with a heartbeat outside of the womb are honored for those with a heartbeat (and brain function) inside their mother. I am firmly committed to fighting for life at all stages, and I know Missouri stands with the unborn!”

This is not the first time opponents to a measure have sought a referendum in recent years.

During the 2017 regular session, the General Assembly passed a right-to-work law. Unions then proceeded to gather more than 300,000 signature to put it on the ballot. In August 2018, voters soundly rejected the law.

Gov. Mike Parson signs HB 126 in his office (PROVIDED/OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR).

Parson signs anti-abortion bill

By Kaitlyn Schallhorn Gov. Mike Parson signed a restrictive anti-abortion bill into law during a private ceremony in May, banning the practice after eight weeks.

The law allows for exemptions in cases of a “medical emergency” but not in cases of rape or incest — one of the most controversial components of the legislation.

While HB 126 bans abortions after eight weeks, it includes many “nestled” components to include restrictions at 14, 18, and 20 weeks should a court overturn a portion of the law.

Should Roe v. Wade — the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling that declared a woman’s constitutional right to privacy includes medical decisions such as abortion — be overturned, abortions would be illegal outright in Missouri, a state that already only has one clinic.

Doctors who violate the law, which goes into effect Aug. 28, could face up to 15 years in prison.

Additionally, the law does not allow for abortions based on race, sex, or a diagnosis of Down Syndrome. It also includes an emergency clause — which goes into effect immediately — requiring written notification for

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consent from a parent or guardian from the custodial parent or guardian for minors.

Currently, Missouri has a socalled “viability ban,” meaning a pregnancy can’t be terminated if it’s deemed viable.

“By signing this bill today, we are sending a strong signal to the nation that, in Missouri, we stand for life, protect women’s health, and advocate for the unborn,” Parson said in a statement. “All life has value and is worth protecting.”

Parson was joined by Republican legislators during the signing of the bill but did not hold a public event.

The signing came while the city is still reeling from the aftermath of a destructive tornado that ripped through homes and businesses earlier tin the week.

Following its signage, Republicans cheered its success.

“I thank Gov. Parson for signing the Missouri Stands for the Unborn Act today,” House Speaker Elijah Haahr told The Missouri Times.

“His swift action on this legislation is a clear message that Missouri values every life, including the unborn.”

“The General Assembly has worked tirelessly over the last few months to send the Governor the boldest and most comprehensive

pro-life bill in the country to stand for those without a voice,” he added.

“With today’s signing, Missouri’s law will reflect the values of Missourians across the state that believe every child is a gift from God and deserving of the fundamental Constitutional right to life.”

But Democrats immediately blasted the bill. House Minority Leader Crystal Quade said the law “now requires people to remain pregnant against their will, treating them as little more than fetal incubators with no rights or role in the decision.”

“We cannot claim to be a free society when the heavy hand of government is used to crush individual liberty and subject us to the mandates of official state doctrine,” she said.

“He has signed a law to take away a woman’s choice before she even knows she’s pregnant,” Democratic Sen. Jill Schupp said in a statement.

Along with Sen. Lauren Arthur, Schupp largely led a Democratic filibuster against the bill earlier this month, decrying the lack of exemptions. “With this new law, the governor and his Republican Party have shown they don’t trust women, and are too extreme for most Missourians.”

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The Missouri Times

EXECUTIVE BRANCH

Rules for Missouri’s budding medical marijuana program finalized

By Alisha Shurr The rules for Missouri’s budding medical marijuana program have been finalized by the state and are set to go into effect next week.

On Friday, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) released the final guidelines — which were filed as emergency rules and as proposed rules with the Missouri Secretary of State — for the upcoming industry.

One of the rules is in direct conflict with a decision made by the Office of Administration on how to handle a contract. In rejecting a bid protect, the state noted the seed-to-sale contract for medical marijuana does not allow any “variable costs.”

However, the final version of the rules reads, “…an entity holding a contract with the state of Missouri for a statewide track and trace system and any affiliates of that entity may charge a price to a licensed or certified facility for plant/product tracking labels, but no such price shall exceed the cost of producing the label in an amount that would create more than thirty (30)

Dr. Randall Williams and Lyndall Fraker listen as stakeholders share their thoughts on medical marijuana (ALISHA SHURR/ THE MISSOURI TIMES). percent net profit on each label.”

BioTrack, the second place bidder on the contract, is asking the Secretary of State’s Office to halt the the new rule.

The emergency rules go into effect on June 3. They will be in effect un-

til the proposed rules, which are the same as the emergency rules, and any changes based public comments, are in effect.

The 11 rules cover definitions, general provisions, qualified patient/ primary caregiver rules, medical

marijuana establishments generally, cultivation facility, infused products manufacturing facility, testing facility, dispensary facility, seed-to-sale tracking, transportation, and physician/ health care provider.

The department held multiple public forums across the state to get input from stakeholders and experts as it drafted the rules. DHSS then assembled advisory panels which held public meetings as they worked through the proposed regulations of specific areas.

In a press release, DHSS wrote, “The department wants to thank the public for their input throughout the drafting process. DHSS received over 500 comments regarding the rulemaking process and rule suggestions, which significantly aided in the drafting process. Further, DHSS would like to thank the members of the 11 advisory panels who provided guidance and ultimately approved the facility application questions and methodology which will be used to select license recipients.”

Public comment on the final version of the proposed rules will be ac-

cepted during the month of July, and a public hearing will be held on the proposed rules.

In November, voters approved Amendment 2, which is now Article XIV of the Constitution, which legalized medical marijuana in Missouri and gave DHSS oversight of the industry.

Per the amendment, the department will begin accepting facility applications on August 3. A paper version of online facility application forms will be available on the DHSS website on or before June 4.

As of May 14, 510 nonrefundable pre-filed application fees — 153 for cultivation facilities, 277 for dispensary facilities and 80 for medical marijuana-infused manufacturing facilities — totaling $3,672,000 have been received by DHSS. Under the rules, licenses will be awarded to 60 cultivation facilities, 192 dispensary facilities, and 86 medical marijuana-infused manufacturing facilities.

More information about the implementation of Missouri’s medical marijuana program can be found at medicalmarijuana.mo.gov.

Bid protest over medical marijuana seed-to-sale contract rejected by state

By Alisha Shurr A bid protest challenging the contract award for seed-to-sale tracking of medical marijuana in Missouri has been rejected by the state. But the rejection also came with a clarification: No variable costs will be allowed with the contract.

An integral part of Metrc’s tracking system, the winning bid, is radio frequency identification (RFID) tags.

The cost of the RFID tags — between $0.25 and $0.45 per tag — is often shouldered by the user and, if put on to the industry in Missouri, would

fall under “variable costs.”

BioTrack, the company that came in second in the request for proposal process, protested the state awarding the contract to Metrc by alleging the consumer paying the cost of the tags would be unlawful. The protest pointed out the company did not list a price charged to users in the bid, and in Washington, it withdrew from a contract after being unable to charge a per-tag fee.

But the bid protest was rejected by the state on Monday, in part because the winning bidder listed $0 for variable costs. The letter also went

on to state the RFP required all prices to be charged, including all prices to be charged for the provision of any services or goods required, be listed.

“The proposal accepted by the Division did not include variable prices in its Exhibit A. That proposal, therefore, did not propose to authorize Metrc to charge variable prices — to licensees or to the State — for the vendor’s contractual obligations.

And the resulting contract between Metrc and the State does not authorize Metrc to do so,” stated the bid rejection letter.

Metrc did not respond to requests

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for comment.

“We consider the results of the protest to be a win for the entire industry. The significant costs that can be associated with RFID tags in many existing state cannabis programs are highly burdensome to businesses and in turn, create higher product costs that are passed onto the patients/consumers. We are pleased that the results of the protest reaffirm that additional variable costs to the licensees or the State will not be allowed,” BioTrack said in a statement.

“The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the

Parson administration continue a sharp track record of acting in the best interest of Missouri patients and industry,” Jack Cardetti, MoCannTrade spokesman, said. “Today, the state announced that Missouri’s seed-to sale-tracking contract does not allow hidden costs to be passed along to medical marijuana license holders. This latest development demonstrates Missouri’s program is being run effectively and this decision ensures that patients and facilities will be protected from any hidden fees, which have driven up costs to patients in other states.”

The Missouri Times

11

EXECUTIVE BRANCH

Conservation Commission preliminarily approves fee increases for trout, nonresident permits

By Alisha Shurr The cost to hunt and fish on public lands could increase in the coming year.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is proposing to raise the price for annual trout permits, daily trout tags, nonresident hunting permits, and nonresident fishing permits. The increases received preliminary approval from the Missouri Conservation Commission last week.

According to the department, some permit prices have remained the same since 1999 while others have been the same for roughly a decade. It notes adjustments are needed to “help keep up with increasing costs of providing conservation work and services around the state.”

“The Conservation Department has not increased [trout] permit prices in nearly two decades,” said MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley. “We are adjusting these permit prices — which were set in 1999 — to make them more in line with today’s real costs of the work we do.

The price increases will help MDC meet the pressures of increased management costs at our hatcheries and help meet the increased demand for trout fishing around the state.”

“We commonly hear from many Missourians that our nonresident permit prices are too low compared to other states,” she added. “Increasing prices for nonresident hunting and fishing permits will address this. It will also add needed revenue to help with our ever-rising costs of managing the fish, forests, and wildlife of Missouri.”

The department receives zero funding from general revenue. Permit sales account for about 17 percent of its annual revenue with 61 percent from the Conservation Sales Tax; federal reimbursements also make up about 16 percent. Sales and rentals, interest, and other sources make up the remaining 6

(PROVIDED/MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION). percent of the agency’s revenue.

As part of the rulemaking process, the department is asking for public comment on the changes during July and early August at short.The Conservation Commission will consider input received and make a final decision to move forward, modify, or withdraw the changes during its August 23 meeting. If approved, the anticipated effective date of the changes would be February 29, 2020.

Trout permits and daily tags If the price increases are implemented, starting in 2020 the cost of an annual trout permit will go from $7 to $10 for anglers 16 years of age and older and from $3.50 to $5 for anglers ages 15 and younger. The cost of a daily trout tag to fish at Missouri’s four trout parks — Maramec Spring Park, Bennett Spring State Park, Montauk State Park, and Roaring River State Park — will go from $3 to $4 for adults and from $2 to $3 for those 15 years of age and younger.

MDC raises trout at five fish hatcheries — Bennett Spring, Montauk, Shepherd of the Hills, Roaring River, and Maramec Spring Park — and releases about 1.7 million trout around the state for public fishing each year.

Not only have the cost of raising the trout nearly doubled since the permit

prices where last set, according to the department, but the trout hatcheries have been damaged by flooding in recent years. More than $11 million has been spent in the last decade on repairs and improvements to the hatcheries.

Nonresident hunting and fishing permits If the price increases are implemented, starting in 2020 a nonresident deering hunting permit will cost $265, up from $225, and a nonresident annual fishing permit will increase from $42 to $49, among a variety of other increases for nonresident permits.

As part of the changes, MDC will also limit daily fishing permits and daily hunting permits to one and three days and eliminate daily fishing permits and daily hunting permits for other numbers of days (two, four, five, six, and seven days).

MDC is also proposing offering discounted deer and turkey permits for nonresident landowners with 75 acres or more to show appreciation for wildlife habitat work completed on their Missouri properties. The discount for nonresident landowners is similar to a past regulation that was in effect until 2009.

MDC eliminated the offering during its last round of permit changes in 2008.

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OA announces Casey Osterkamp as new director of the Division of Personnel The Office of Administration announced Wednesday that Casey Osterkamp is the new director of the Division of Personnel. She was recommended by Gov. Mike Parson and confirmed by the Missouri Senate in March.

Since then, she has already spearheaded the rollout of a major new program for State of Missouri team members — MO Learning, an online learning program that utilizes LinkedIn Learning courses.

As the Director of Personnel, Osterkamp will oversee personnel policies and responsibilities as it relates to the State of Missouri workforce, develop and carry out initiatives designed to benefit state team members, and collaborate with Human Resources professionals for each of the 16 executive departments.

“Public services only happen because of the work done by public servants,” said Casey Osterkamp, “which means the quality of our state government depends on identifying ways to recruit, train, and retain people committed to making this state — and the lives of all Missourians within it — flourish. I am excited to offer the best I have to the State of Missouri team and help bring out the best in my fellow team members.”

Osterkamp most recently served as the Director of the Assessment Resource Center for the University of Missouri’s College of Education. She started her professional career as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy in 2005 and since, she has worked in management roles for the Chicago Public Schools and IBM. “Casey is a dynamic, tested leader in both the public and private sectors. She is the ideal leader to help transform the Division of Personnel into a true talent management team,” said Drew Erdmann, State of Missouri Chief Operating Officer. “Casey and her team will help the State of Missouri become more competitive in recruiting, developing, and rewarding the talent we need to meet the high expectations of the citizens of Missouri.”

“We are incredibly pleased that Casey has decided to fill this role and joined our team in the Office of Administration,” said Office of Administration Commissioner Sarah Steelman. “She brings a wealth of experience that will help advance our recruitment and retention efforts.”

Melissa Theis, previously the Acting Director of the Division of Personnel, is now the division’s Deputy Director.

Osterkamp earned her Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Communication from Northwestern University and her Master of Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. In addition, she is currently working toward her Doctorate of Education in Educational Policy and Leadership from the University of Missouri.

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The Missouri Times

LEGISLATURE

A look at some of the little-known measures passed this session

By Alisha Shurr The last few days of the regular session are a fury of activity as folks make the final push on issues with dozens of bills getting final approval — and this year was no different.

In the fast-paced environment, it is easy to miss a provision added to a bill or a measure crossing the finish line.

“As legislators, we can improve the delivery of government and assistance to our constituents through how departments operate. These aren’t the headline-grabbing topics, but they are the nuts and bolts of making government better,” Sen. Lincoln Hough told The Missouri Times.

Here’s a look at some legislation that crossed the finish line before the session’s end: Offender Mo HealthNet benefits MO HealthNet benefits for offenders entering a correctional facility or jail will now have those benefits suspended instead of terminated.

Upon release, the suspension will be lifted and the person will continue to be eligible for benefits until otherwise ineligible.

Before the provisions passed as part of a larger bill, Missouri was in the minority of states that terminated benefits for offenders.

Proponents argued the change could help keep inmates from returning to jail, overdosing, or having a mental illness relapse. Liza Weiss, executive director of Missouri Appleseed, said the policy of direct termination — including for those held

in jail who haven’t yet been convicted of a crime — “doesn’t serve anybody well.” She said her organization is “really excited about” the change and will monitor the rollout closely.

Medicaid reimbursement rates Intermediate care facilities or skilled nursing facilities will now be able to have their Medicaid per diem reimbursement rate readjusted if they invest at least $2,000 per bed in improvements.

The provision is aimed at encouraging nursing home facilities to invest in improvements.

In Missouri, Medicaid reimbursements rates range from $141 to $175 per patient per day. Once a rate is set there is no mechanism in state law for adjustment, which, according to a proponent, has resulted in the average reimbursement rate being $20 per day per person unfunded compared to actual costs.

Thus, facilities are “disincentivized” from updating and further investing in the facility itself.

“When nursing homes in our state want higher reimbursement rates from our state coffers, they owe it to those in their care to re-invest their private capital to upgrade the quality of their facilities first. The people of our state expect high quality nursing care and rightfully demand our elderly, disabled, and infirm to live a life of safety, wellbeing, respect and dignity,” Rep. Jack Bondon told The Missouri Times. “This bill was the result of [Sen. Mike Cunningham’s] many years of research to find solutions that are certain to improve our state’s nursing care in a fiscally responsible way.”

Drone no-fly zone Pending the governor’s signature — and the provision going into effect — it will be a crime to fly a drone near a prison or mental hospital. Drones, or “unmanned aircrafts,” could be used to deliver weapons or drugs to inmates, those concerned said.

“In an effort to update laws as technology advances, it only made sense to ban flying drones over correctional facilities. The [Department of Corrections] reported 16 incidents of drones flying over and possibly dropping contraband inside correctional facilities. Glad to get this bill passed to protect the safety of our hardworking correctional officers,” Sen. Denny Hoskins told The Missouri Times.

Million Dollar Boondoggle Act of 2019 Under the provision, the Office of Administration will be required to construct a public report — to be published online — on specific projects that are either at least one year behind schedule or at least $1 million over budget to the General Assembly.

State agencies and divisions would be required to submit relevant information to the Office of Administration.

“Government transparency is the most important thing we can do as a legislature,” Rep. Dan Houx, a Republican, previously told The Missouri Times.

“This bipartisan bill simply creates an automatic alert system for the General Assembly to address a problem before it becomes a bottomless money pit for taxpayer dollars,” Houx said. “Identifying projects that are significantly over budget or be-

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hind schedule allows the General Assembly and state agencies to better manage taxpayer dollars and prevent possible future boondoggles.”

Wrongful conviction restitution rates Any Missourian found guilty but later determined to be innocent solely as a result of DNA profiling analysis will now be paid restitution of $100, increased from $50, per day for each day of post-conviction incarceration.

“This is a civil rights victory. This is about setting what was wrong… right. Giving those who were wrongfully convicted a chance to rejoin society with some hope. Even though it’s not everything, it’s a start and we are just beginning. Criminal justice reform is not just be about those who are going in, or already there; it’s also be about those who were there and weren’t suppose to be there in the first place,” Rep. LaKeySha Bosley said.

“This is an issue that was taken up by Rep. Clem Smith before I got here, and I am just glad we got it done after many years of fighting. Sen. Jamilah Nasheed got it done in the senate and I took care of it in the house.”

Veteran’s Survivor Grant The Veteran’s Survivor Grant was originally set to sunset on August 28, 2020. But under a truly agreed and finally passed bill, the grant, which provides financial aid for higher education to qualifying military members, is exempt the sunset provision.

Missouri Bourbon Products labeled “Missouri Bourbon” or “Missouri Bourbon Whiskey”

will now be required to be made using corn grown in Missouri; mashed, fermented, distilled, aged, and bottled in Missouri; and aged in oak barrels manufactured in Missouri.

PSC appeal process Those seeking to appeal a decision issued by the Public Service Commission will no longer file the appeal with the commission, for the commission to forward to the appellate court. Now, the applicant will file the appeal directly with the appellate court and pay all necessary filing fees and a notice of the appeal is served on the commission.

DHSS director requirements The qualification requirements for the director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services were altered.

The requirement for the director to “be a graduate of an institution of higher education approved by recognized accrediting agencies, and shall have had the administrative experience necessary to enable him to successfully perform the duties of his office” was removed.

Instead, the director must now be “a medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathy degree” or “a Ph.D. in a health-related field, which may include nursing, public health, health policy, environmental health, community health, or health education or a master’s degree in public health or an equivalent academic degree from an institution of higher education approved by recognized accrediting agencies.”

— Kaitlyn Schallhorn contributed to this report

13

The Missouri Times

LEGISLATURE

NEXT STEPS: What criminal justice

reform measures Grain Belt Express project passed this session?

By Kaitlyn Schallhorn Despite a strong push in the House, an eminent domain bill that could have been detrimental to the proposed Grain Belt Express Clean Line Project didn’t make it through the General Assembly this legislative session.

So what’s next for the massive wind energy project? Regulatory approvals.

“The project is continuing through the regulatory process at the Missouri Public Service Commission on the acquisition of the project by Invenergy,” Beth Conley, an Invenergy spokeswoman, told The Missouri Times. “Once that is completed we will start working

renewable power and clean energy to about 1.6 million homes per year and create new jobs — including both permanent and temporary construction work.

There was a strong push in the House this past session for legislation, championed by Republican Rep. Jim Hansen, that would limit private companies’ ability to use eminent domain to construct aboveground merchant lines. The bill narrowly passed a Senate committee before it ultimately stalled on the floor — thanks in part to Democratic Sen. Jason Holsman.

Still, Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst — one of the driving forces behind the opposition to the project — isn’t giving up hope

“The project is continuing through the regulatory process at the Missouri Public Service Commission on the acquisition of the project by Invenergy.”

— Beth Conley collaboratively with landowners and counties along the route to develop the project.”

There is no timeline on when that process will be completed, Invenergy said. The PSC last week addressed additional questions related to the project during a weekly agenda meeting and reaffirmed its support for the project and Invenergy’s involvement.

If approved and completed, the Grain Belt project would develop an overhead transmission line spanning nearly 800 miles to deliver wind energy from Kansas to Missouri and other states, according to its website.

It would extend through eight Missouri counties: Buchanan, Clinton, Caldwell, Carroll, Chariton, Monroe, Randolph, and Ralls.

Grain Belt Express proposed route The project contends it would deliver about 4,000 megawatts of

quite yet. Hurst said he anticipated further appeals to the PSC as well as the opportunity for similar legislation to be reintroduced next session as well.

“There’s always hope. You keep fighting,” Hurst told The Missouri Times. “We’ve got alternatives … so we’ll keep working on it.”

Hansen does plan to reintroduce similar eminent domain legislation next session, with any tweaks that are needed due to any changes between now and January, The Missouri Times has confirmed.

As elected officials vacate Jefferson City and return to their families and jobs, The Missouri Times is bringing you updates on big initiatives that didn’t quite make it through before May 17. The “Next Steps” series will showcase progress made on certain legislative issues and offer a look ahead to what could come.

By Kaitlyn Schallhorn At the end of the legislative session, House Speaker Elijah Haahr pointed to the passage of multiple criminal justice reform measures as a success for the 100th General Assembly.

Ultimately, a massive criminal justice reform omnibus bill stalled in the House, but three particular provisions passed the legislature or were included on other bills. Those three bipartisan measures included changes to board bill penalties, mandatory minimums for certain nonviolent offenses, and expungement eligibility.

Rep. Shamed Dogan, the Republican chairman of the Special Committee on Criminal Justice, previously told The Missouri Times:

“If we end up this session with legislation that ends up increasing our prison population, rather than decreasing it, we will have failed entirely on criminal justice reform.”

But with the session over, he praised the legislature for taking “several steps forward on criminal justice reform … without taking steps backward.”

“These reforms will help many nonviolent offenders to rejoin their families and rebuild their lives after incarceration,” Dogan told The Missouri Times.

SB 1, championed by Democratic Sen. Kiki Curls, was truly agreed and finally passed last week. The bill adds property damage, stealing, and fraudulent use of a credit card to the list of nonviolent offenses that could eventually be expunged from an in-

dividual’s record.

“Folks sometimes make mistakes as teenagers, and by the time they reach 50 or 60 [years old], it becomes very difficult for them to obtain work, jobs, or other things they’re wanting to do to live a pretty fruitful and successful life,” Curls has said.

Additionally, the legislature truly agreed and finally passed HB 192, legislation championed by Republican Rep. Bruce DeGroot stripping the punishment of more prison time for someone who cannot afford board bills — which often created an unbreakable cycle.

That legislation also included additional language pertaining to mandatory minimum sentencing.

That provision eliminated mandatory minimum sentencing for certain nonviolent crimes.

Lawmakers green-light partial motorcycle helmet repeal

By Alisha Shurr As part of an omnibus motor vehicle bill that included license fees and inspection dates, the Missouri legislature also approved partially repealing the state’s motorcycle helmet law.

A provision in SB 147, which was truly agreed and finally passed on Friday, allows individuals 18 years or older to operate a motorcycle without a helmet, provided he or she is covered by a special insurance plan.

“It is something I have been working on for longer than I can remember,” said Sen. Eric Burlison, who sponsored the Senate version of the standalone bill. “We hear about veterans — folks who have fought for their rights. Many of them enjoy riding motorcycles and

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this is an issue that we are able to give them a little bit of their freedom back.”

The particular portion of the bill received pushback mostly from Democrats, who argued more Missourians will die or end up with brain injuries as a result of the law.

Rep. Gina Mitten pointed out that in some cities, under the bill, people could be ticketed for riding a bicycle without a helmet but not a motorcycle. She added motorcycle helmet laws save lives.

Vehicle inspections The bill also changes the trigger folks have to start getting their vehicle inspected.

Currently, any vehicle older than five years has to be inspected every two years. Under the bill, only vehicles older than 10 years or

with more than 150,000 miles will need to be inspected each renewal period.

“I am thrilled that is passed and I know there are countless Missourians who will be happy to know they don’t have to go through the government imposed hassle anymore,” said. Rep. J. Eggleston.

Fees License and vehicle registration fees will also see a significant increase under the legislation.

A provision within the bill will increase annual licenses from $3.50 to $6.00; biennial licenses from $7 to $12; transfer of title from $2.50 to $6; instruction permits, nondriver, chauffeur’s, operator’s, and driver’s license from $2.50 to $6; and notice of lien processing from $2.50 to $6.

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Missouri Times Ad 2.pdf 1 1/23/2019 3:41:28 PM

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The Missouri Times

Lobbyist Moves Activity Date\Lobbyist Name\ Principal\From\To 05/29/2019 Bernskoetter, Brian Kingdom Principles, Inc. 03/12/2019 05/29/2019 05/29/2019 Clarkston, Heath Orscheln Management Co. 05/29/2019 05/29/2019 Nelson, Doug Orscheln Management Co. 05/29/2019 05/29/2019 Roy, Kevin Shatterproof 05/29/2019 05/29/2019 Schaefer, Kurt Orscheln Management Co. 05/29/2019 05/29/2019 Schlosser, Lynne Midwest Industrial Hemp Association 01/26/2017 05/29/2019 05/28/2019 Berry, Dave Kingdom Principles, Inc. 03/08/2019 05/28/2019 05/28/2019 Brown, Travis Howard Kingdom Principles, Inc. 03/08/2019 05/28/2019 05/28/2019 Dempsey, Tom Kingdom Principles, Inc. 03/08/2019 05/28/2019 05/28/2019 Doctorian, Sherry L. Missouri Landscape and Nursery Association 04/21/2014 05/28/2019 05/28/2019 Gray, Rodney D Automated Health Systems, Inc. 09/01/2015 05/28/2019 05/28/2019 Harris, James FWD.us 05/09/2019 05/28/2019 05/28/2019 Hemphill, Deanna Lynn Kingdom Principles, Inc. 03/08/2019 05/28/2019 05/28/2019 Holliday, Tami J Automated Health Systems, Inc. 09/01/2015 05/28/2019 05/28/2019 King, Tracy Kingdom Principles, Inc. 03/08/2019 05/28/2019 05/28/2019 Moore, Susan Henderson Automated Health Systems, Inc. 09/01/2015 05/28/2019 05/28/2019 Slay, Francis G. SirenGPS, Inc 02/05/2019 05/24/2019 Baker, Aaron Jared Enterprises 02/01/2019 05/24/2019 05/24/2019 Baker, Aaron Kirksville Regional Economic Development, Inc. 12/21/2018 05/24/2019 05/24/2019 Baker, Aaron Missouri Physical Therapy Assoc 03/25/2019 05/24/2019 05/24/2019 Baker, Aaron Independent Colleges & Universities of Missouri 03/18/2019 05/24/2019 05/24/2019 Beers, Hannah Independent Colleges & Universities of Missouri 03/19/2019 05/24/2019 05/24/2019 Beers, Hannah Missouri Physical Therapy Assoc 03/25/2019 05/24/2019 05/24/2019 Beers, Hannah Jared Enterprises 01/28/2019 05/24/2019 05/24/2019 Beers, Hannah Kirksville Regional Economic Development, Inc. 12/21/2018 05/24/2019 05/24/2019 Simmons, Kelvin Motacann Holdings LLC 05/23/2019 05/24/2019 05/23/2019 Boyd, Rodney Motacann Holdings LLC 05/23/2019 05/23/2019 Casas, Kate Motacann Holdings LLC 05/23/2019 05/23/2019 Christie, Lisa National Eating Disorders Association 02/19/2013 05/23/2019 05/23/2019 Grace, Brian Motacann Holdings LLC 05/23/2019 05/23/2019 Rainford, Jeff STL Aviation Group LLC 06/02/2017 05/23/2019

05/23/2019 Torpey, Noel Accenture LLP 04/01/2019 05/22/2019 Cooper, Shannon Independent Colleges & Universities of Missouri 03/29/2019 05/22/2019 05/22/2019 LaFaver, Jeremy Empower Missouri (formerly Mo Association For Social Welfare) 01/22/2019 05/22/2019 05/22/2019 LaFaver, Jeremy Foster Care Technologies 12/27/2017 05/22/2019 05/22/2019 LaFaver, Jeremy Independent Colleges & Universities of Missouri 03/14/2019 05/22/2019 05/22/2019 LaFaver, Jeremy Missouri Pork Association 04/22/2019 05/22/2019 05/22/2019 Stone, Doug Pivotal Properties, LLC 08/07/2017 05/22/2019 Stone, Doug JPL Development, LLC 05/17/2019 05/21/2019 AuBuchon, Richard Michael Missouri Rising 01/04/2018 05/21/2019 05/21/2019 AuBuchon, Richard Michael Independent Colleges & Universities of Missouri 03/18/2019 05/21/2019 05/21/2019 Brooks, Jeffery Macquarie Infrastructure & Real Assets Inc. 05/24/2017 05/21/2019 05/21/2019 Davis, Douglas W Apollo Consulting Group, LLC 07/01/2017 05/21/2019 Gamble, Cynthia Macquarie Infrastructure & Real Assets Inc. 02/25/2019 05/21/2019 05/21/2019 Gamble, Kathryn Macquarie Infrastructure & Real Assets Inc. 02/25/2019 05/21/2019 05/21/2019 Gamble, William Macquarie Infrastructure & Real Assets Inc. 02/25/2019 05/21/2019 05/21/2019 Jackson, David Macquarie Infrastructure & Real Assets Inc. 05/19/2017 05/21/2019 05/21/2019 Magnus, Sonette T Macquarie Infrastructure & Real Assets Inc. 01/03/2018 05/21/2019 05/21/2019 Robbins, Thomas Bootheel CannaCare, LLC 05/21/2019 05/21/2019 Schlemeier, Jorgen Macquarie Infrastructure & Real Assets Inc. 05/23/2017 05/21/2019 05/21/2019 Schlemeier, Sarah Macquarie Infrastructure & Real Assets Inc. 02/25/2019 05/21/2019 05/21/2019 Sweeney, David W Macquarie Infrastructure & Real Assets Inc. 05/03/2017 05/21/2019 05/21/2019 Tilley, Steven Bootheel CannaCare, LLC 05/21/2019 05/21/2019 Topp, Sarah Macquarie Infrastructure & Real Assets Inc. 02/25/2019 05/21/2019 05/21/2019 Weber, K. Andrew ‘Drew’ Spring Branch Farms HOA 12/14/2018 05/21/2019 Wilson, Olivia Macquarie Infrastructure & Real Assets Inc. 02/25/2019 05/21/2019 05/20/2019 Cowan, Eric BofA Securities, Inc. 05/20/2019 05/20/2019 Cowan, Eric Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Incorporated 01/02/2019 05/20/2019 05/20/2019 Hemphill, Brent US Term Limits 01/20/2016 05/20/2019 05/20/2019 Hemphill, Brent Missouri Disaster Response System, Inc. 08/28/2016 05/20/2019 05/20/2019 Hemphill, Brent

Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association 12/22/2004 05/20/2019 05/20/2019 Hemphill, Brent Independent Colleges & Universities of Missouri 03/19/2019 05/20/2019 05/20/2019 Mertens, Courtney Mertens Ventures LLC 05/10/2019 05/20/2019 Todd, Jack Trinity Industries Inc 01/31/2017 05/20/2019 05/20/2019 Wasser, Casey Allen Missouri Association of License Offices c/o Strategic Capitol Consulting LLC 01/15/2019 05/20/2019 05/20/2019 Wasser, Casey Allen Property Assessment Review c/o Strategic Capitol Consulting 02/15/2019 05/20/2019 05/19/2019 Panettiere, Salvatore Empower Missouri (formerly Mo Association For Social Welfare) 01/22/2019 05/19/2019 05/19/2019 Panettiere, Salvatore Missouri Pork Association 04/22/2019 05/19/2019 05/19/2019 Panettiere, Salvatore Tactical Medical Solutions, Inc. 03/05/2018 05/19/2019 05/19/2019 Panettiere, Salvatore Utility Associates, Inc. 08/16/2018 05/19/2019 05/18/2019 Christie, Lisa Vernon County Ambulance District 01/22/2013 05/18/2019 05/18/2019 Hawk, Shanon M Missouri United School Insurance Council 03/13/2017 05/18/2019 05/18/2019 Hawk, Shanon M Kingdom Principles, Inc. 03/13/2019 05/18/2019 05/18/2019 Hawk, Shanon M Special Administrative Board of The Transitional School District of The City of St. Louis 02/13/2015 05/18/2019 05/18/2019 LaFaver, Jeremy Missouri Workforce Housing Association 05/15/2019 05/18/2019 05/17/2019 Arnold, Charles Andy Steven R Carroll & Associates 05/04/2019 05/17/2019 05/17/2019 Hill, Harry John Hayes 04/25/2019 05/17/2019 05/17/2019 Schlosser, Lynne Kingdom Principles, Inc. 03/08/2019 05/17/2019 05/17/2019 Sweeney, David W STL Land Development, LLC 05/17/2019 05/16/2019 Payne, John William TerraMa Holdings, LLC 05/09/2019 05/16/2019 Payne, John William Next Gen Natures Releaf, LLC 05/13/2019 05/16/2019 Payne, John William Missouri Essentials 05/01/2019 05/16/2019 Payne, John William Elavera Partnership, LLC 05/15/2019 05/16/2019 Payne, John William Evolve Wellness, LLC 05/15/2019 05/16/2019 Payne, John William The Dispensary, LLC 05/15/2019 05/16/2019 Payne, John William Amendment 2 Consultants, LLC 05/15/2019 05/15/2019 Robbins, Thomas AM Medical Marketing LLC 05/15/2019 05/15/2019 Tilley, Steven AM Medical Marketing LLC 05/15/2019 05/14/2019 Farnen, Mark Dakota Power Partners 01/08/2019 05/13/2019 Aboussie, Jeffrey P STL Land Development, LLC 05/01/2019 05/13/2019 Rhoads, Mark J Appriss Safety 05/10/2019

PEOPLE

From lawmaker to lobbyist, Joe Ortwerth retiring from public life

By Alisha Shurr

A former lawmaker-turned-county executive-turned-head of a Christian advocacy group has announced his retirement from public life.

Joe Ortwerth is stepping down as executive director of the Missouri Family Policy Council, a group he has led for the last 12 years. He instead will be working with a Christian ministry that serves orphan children in Uganda.

“It has been an honor to advocate for pro-life and pro-family laws and policies in our State Capitol in Jefferson City,” Ortwerth said in a statement. “It has been my lifelong passion to fight for the sanctity of human life, the integrity of marriage and the family, and the principles of religious freedom. But after more than 45 years of service in public office and Christian advocacy, I will be retiring from public life here in Missouri. God has given me a joyous new calling to advance His Kingdom.”

Politically involved from a young age, Orthweth has spent decades working in Jefferson City politics in various capacities.

He worked on campaigns as a youngster, assisting local Democrats before shifting to the Republican Party in his later teen years, Orthweth previously told The Missouri Times. He was first elected to the state House in 1982, being sworn in the following year at just 25 years old. He served as a Republican state representative until 1994 before leaving to become the St. Charles County Executive in 1995, a post he held until 2006. He ran for lieutenant governor in 2000, but he lost

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“It has been my lifelong passion to fight for the sanctity of human life, the integrity of marriage and the family, and the principles of religious freedom. But after more than 45 years of service in public office and Christian advocacy, I will be retiring from public life here in Missouri.” in the Republican primary to thenState Treasurer Wendell Bailey.

Starting in 2007, he has served as the executive director of the Missouri Family Policy Council in O’Fallon, a faith-based organization that lobbies on right to life and sanctity of life issues while also arguing for traditional marriage and religious freedom.

“Thanks to the valiant efforts of dedicated lawmakers, Missouri has some of the strongest pro-life and religious liberty laws in the country,” he said. “The Missouri Family Policy Council played the leading role in the passage of important laws and constitutional amendments that

promoted the right to life and freedom of religion. We also played a leading role in blocking dangerous legislation that would undermine our free exercise of our Christian beliefs.”

Now the advocacy group will be undergoing a transition. Missouri’s Family Policy Council, a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, will cease operations this summer and be replaced by the Family Policy Alliance of Missouri, a new 501(c)4 organization.

Ortwerth will also be taking on a new role. Along with Wendy, his wife, he will be heading to East Africa to work with a Christian ministry.

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The Missouri Times

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